East Texas Research Center

Scope and Contents

Typescript of the diary (actually reminiscences) of the Nacogdoches native's experiences in the Civil War and later as a sheep rancher in Laredo, Texas (1841-1908). Genealogical data on the Kirkpatrick family is also included.

Scope and Contents This collection consists of typescript copies of Civil War letters between John C. Birdwell and wife Adaline Birdwell. A farmer, John Birdwell included instructions for running the farm in his absence. Her letters report the progress of crops and livestock. Both recount their hardships during the war as well as news of family and friends. John C. Birdwell describes Confederate camp conditions depicting disease epidemics, food, music, gambling, funerals, weather, and ragged condition of the...